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American Horror Story and Philosophy

American Horror Story and Philosophy

Life Is but a Nightmare

by Rachel Robison-Greene and Richard Greene
Paperback
Publication Date: 02/01/2018

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InAmerican Horror Story and Philosophy, philosophers with varying backgrounds and interests explore different aspects of this popular "erotic thriller" TV show, with its enthusiastic cult following and strong critical approval. The result is a collection of intriguing and provocative thoughts on deeper questions prompted by the creepy side of the human imagination.As an "anthology show,"American Horror Story has a unique structure in the horror genre because it explores distinct subgenres of horror in each season. As a result, each season raises its own set of philosophical issues. The show's first season,Murder House, is a traditional haunted house story. Philosophical topics expounded here include: the moral issues pertaining to featuring a mass murderer as one of the season's main protagonists; the problem of other minds--when I see an old hag, how can I know that you don't see a sexy maid? And whether it is rationally justified to fear the Piggy Man. Season Two,Asylum, takes place inside a mid-twentieth-century mental hospital. Among other classic horror subgenres, this season includes story lines featuring demonic possession and space aliens. Chapters inspired by this season include such topics as: the ethics of investigative reporting and whistleblowing; personal identity and demonic possession; philosophical problems arising from eugenics; and the ethics and efficacy of torture. Season Three,Coven, focuses on witchcraft in the contemporary world. Chapters motivated by this season include: sisterhood and feminism as starkly demonstrated in a coven; the metaphysics of traditional voodoo zombies (in contrast to the currently fashionable "infected" zombies); the uses of violent revenge; and the metaphysics of reanimation. Season Four,Freak Show, takes place in a circus. Philosophical writers look at life under the Big Top as an example of "life imitating art"; several puzzles about personal identity and identity politics (crystallized in the two-headed girl, the bearded lady, and the lobster boy); the ethical question of honor and virtue among thieves; as well as several topics in social and political philosophy. Season Five,Hotel, is, among other disturbing material, about vampires. Chapters inspired by this season include: the ethics of creating vampire progeny; LGBT-related philosophical issues; and existentialism as it applies to serial killers, Season Six,Roanoke, often considered the most creative of the seasons so far, partly because of its employment of the style of documentaries with dramatic re-enactments, and its mimicry ofThe Blair Witch Project andParanormal Activity. Among the philosophical themes explored here are what happens to moral obligations under the Blood Moon; the proper role of truth in storytelling; and the defensibility of cultural imperialism.
ISBN:
9780812699722
9780812699722
Category:
Philosophy
Format:
Paperback
Publication Date:
02-01-2018
Language:
English
Publisher:
Open Court Publishing Company
Country of origin:
United States
Dimensions (mm):
228.6x152.4x12.95mm
Weight:
0.33kg
Rachel Robison-Greene

Rachel Robison-Greene is the co-editor of numerous Philosophy and Popular Culture books, including American Horror Story and Philosophy: Life Is but a Nightmare, Mr. Robot and Philosophy: Beyond Good and Evil Corp, Orange Is the New Black and Philosophy: Last Exit from Litchfield, and Girls and Philosophy: This Book Isn't a Metaphor for Anything.

Richard Greene

Richard Greene is Professor of Philosophy at Weber State University in Utah.

He is co-editor of many volumes in the Popular Culture and Philosophy series, the most recent being Westworld and Philosophy with Joshua Heter.

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